PNC activists gathered in support of the constitutional amendment, while MDP supporters rallied against it, calling for "protection of the constitution".
Supporters of both the pro-government People's National Congress (PNC) and the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) gathered outside the Parliament to protest against the proposed Anti-Defection constitutional amendment.
The bill seeks to mandate members losing their parliamentary seats for resigning from their parties, joining a different party or being expelled from the party.
PNC activists gathered in support of the constitutional amendment, while MDP supporters rallied against it, calling for "protection of the constitution".
The protests led to verbal clashes between the two groups, escalating tensions as a police officer fell and was injured while attempting to control the crowd.
The amendment, proposed by Hulhudhoo MP from the ruling PNC, was submitted to parliament and published on the Parliament's website late the last night.
At the start of today's sitting, the first hearing of the bill was held. Debate on the bill was also carried out today. Parliament then voted on the bill and forwarded it to the committee.
According to the proposed amendment, MPs who are elected through a political party will lose their seats if they resign, switch parties, or are expelled from their party.
Additionally, the amendment stipulates that if an independent MP joins a political party, they will also lose their seat.
MDP members have expressed concerns about the bill, particularly the provision that could lead to MPs losing their seats if expelled from their parties. Some opposition MPs have argued that the amendment would effectively trap members within their parties, reducing their independence and autonomy.
In response, MDP's Galolhu South MP, Meekail Ahmed Naseem, submitted an amendment to change the proposed bill, seeking to introduce a provision for a vote from constituents to determine whether an expelled MP should retain their seat.
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